Praying with a stranger on a busy street

Sharing books on the street brings together not only many beautiful and different people, but also some special moments and meaningful conversations. A ray of light touches a burdened heart, a heart that is searching for peace, and for hope… No matter who visits our stand, they are deeply cherished by God and us.

– a testimony from Theda –

One of the most blessed moments for me was when a man of the Eastern European culture stopped and looked at a Bible lying on our table. He seemed upset and unhappy. He told me that he had many problems and that he realised he should read his Bible. His mom was a Christian, he said.

I offered him the Bible, asked for his name and promised to pray especially for him. The gentleman, while holding the new Bible in his hand, seemed to linger. I sensed that he wanted to say more, but he was lost for words.

My colleague at the table and I invited him to pray right there, right then. We turned to a corner, next to the bookstand. (In an instance I asked the Holy Spirit to show me what to pray for as God, who created us and knew us before we were in our mother’s womb, also knows our unspoken sufferings and is able to help us speak the words in order to lift a burden.) I started praying loud and was pleading with the Lord to touch and heal him and guide his life…

Here I was standing on a busy street with my arms around a stranger with his head on my shoulder uttering heart-wrenching sobs. I felt my own heart being drawn out!

Initially, I had the gentleman’s hand clasped between my two hands but as I prayed I heard him sobbing. I placed my arms around him. Here I was standing on a busy street with my arms around a stranger with his head on my shoulder uttering heart-wrenching sobs. I felt my own heart being drawn out!

Praying and holding on to this lovely soul.

When I said “Amen” he kissed my hands, and thanked me over and over and said he will never forget that special moment.

When he left clutching his Bible, I felt as if the most precious moment of the day had just happened to me though I was unworthy in many ways. Not much detail was given, no too long conversation had taken place. It was simply… a heart and a life in need for Jesus to come and fill in with His comforting presence.

I thank the Lord for the ministry of the Discover Truth project, giving us the opportunity to speak a word of encouragement to those in need. And I encourage you: don’t hold back your service. Give your talents to the service of God.

Jesus uses unworthy men and women to reach everyone around us. He is worthy!